'I Didn't Stay But the Party Went On All Night'

Does Silvio Berlusconi know how to roll or what? This dude could teach Al Gore a lesson on how to release the chakras.

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was treated to a 12-minute lap dance in his hotel room during a visit to Brazil this week, it was claimed today.

The 73-year-old, who has been involved in a series of sleazy scandals, was said to have watched the private exhibition of lap and pole dancing while on an official trip to South America.

However Mr Berlusconi's aides today dismissed reports of an exotic dance show as 'wide of the mark' and instead described the event as a 'brief display of traditional local dancing'.

Officials in Rome released a statement after a Brazilian news website published an account of the evening given to them by one of the dancers, named as Alexandra Valenca, 28, who said she was paid £900 for the show.

Ms Valenca said: 'We were hired and told that it was a proposal to make a TV show for Italy. We were told that that he wanted to see some dancing.'

The event is said to have taken place on Monday at the Hotel Tivoli in San Paolo after a 'packed day of meetings' between Mr Berlusconi and Brazilian president Lula da Silva.

Ms Valenca, whose website was today unavailable, added: 'We were told that they were looking for Brazilian dancers for a show in Italy that would be broadcast in two weeks' time.

'Berlusconi was very charming. He said that he wanted to take Brazilian dancers to Italy.

'We did a 12-minute lap and pole dancing show. I didn't stay but the party went on all night.'

But Mr Berlusconi's office said: 'On the evening in question the Prime Minister, his entourage and several security staff attended an event given by a local businessman.

'It was one of many events that Mr Berlusconi attended during his visit and involved a brief display of traditional local dancing. He did not stay for the dinner and after politely remaining for several minutes he left.'

During his two-day visit to Brazi the billionaire media tycoon-turned-politician told a news conference that he had a 'strong of young women after him'.

I've really got to party with this guy.